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Manipulative Activities

This activity isolates just one step of a polishing exercise — making a cotton swab to apply the polish. Twisting tiny pieces of cotton around the ends of the Orange Sticks is a fascinating fine-motor challenge for young children. Learn More

Before children tackle more complex activities, they must first master the basics. This preliminary exercise is a chance to perfect an isolated skill. Later, children will use droppers for polishing, color mixing, and science activities. Learn More

Eight containers provide a variety of challenges; each has a different closure including a hinge, a zipper, a snap, and more. Rotate the items as you and the children find new and interesting things to “open and close.” Ages 3½+. Learn More

Basic, sequential cutting exercises for the child who is developing and refining scissor skills. The teacher prepares cutting strips with four custom templates. The child snips over the special bowl and collects the pieces for art projects or to take home. Learn More

The bolts are graded in diameter for a more difficult exercise. Five slotted bolts and 3½" stubby screwdriver. Designed by a Montessori teacher to aid the development of eye-hand coordination and teach a practical skill. Learn More

Designed by a Montessori teacher to aid the development of eye-hand coordination and teach a practical skill. Many teachers have told us these boards are the most-used activity in the classroom. Learn More

An appealing introduction to manipulating a screwdriver for the youngest children. Any bolt turns smoothly in any hole. Once turning is mastered, children will notice they can match bolts to holes by color. All wood. 6" x 1¾" with 6 bolts and driver. Learn More

For use as a combination sorting and manipulative exercise, this set includes three bolts in graded sizes: &frac38;" dia. x 3" long; 5/16" dia. x 2" long; and ¼" x 1" long. Each bolt is fitted with a washer, a hex nut, a lock washer, and a wing nut. Learn More

Toddlers love matching these simple blocks to the cutout shapes in the lid of the box. In fact, they love it so much they do it over and over! 8 blocks, 2 of each shape and wooden box (5⅛" square x 3¼" high). Learn More

Children love to master this feat of engineering! The set of 114 smooth, hardwood blocks includes support pieces for use during the building process. 14 different shapes, ranging from 1" square to 5¾" long. Learn More

Snap them together—pop them apart! Pop beads are a classic manipulative toy, and these are our favorites. Children can practice making designs and patterns out of the 300 shaped and regular beads in assorted colors. ½” plastic beads. Learn More

Young children can refine their fine motor skills with these colorful screw-together blocks. This set of eight wooden blocks can be matched by shape or color. Four are fitted with sturdy plastic screws to join with the others. Learn More